Watch your language about age as you age

It was a delightful evening. We were having dinner with a group at a new restaurant. A couple known to some joined the group and were introduced.

‘What a day I’ve had,’ said the twenty-something female. ‘I’m so tired.’

She went on to explain her tiredness. She’d had an ‘apprentice’ follow her around during the day in her health-related job.

‘She must be at least 50—and is so slow,’ she commented.

Well, that’s a change, I thought. A Millennial complaining about a Baby Boomer at work.

I wondered if she would have complained if the ‘apprentice’ was her own age. Perhaps the twenty-something apprentice wouldn’t have turned up to work, or would have turned up late, or would have spent time checking her phone, taking selfies or wondering when the workday ended—to stereotype Millennials.

But such an attitude towards a Millennial (or Generation, X, Y, Z) could also be described as ageist. Ageism can go both ways.

The problem with ageist language

Is ageist language something we don’t actually realise we’re using? Some suggest it can be sprinkled through language without us being aware of it. Perhaps using ageist language is unintentional.

Are we, however, guilty of thinking ourselves ‘old’ or of labelling ourselves and making inferences about abilities related to age? For instance, an acquaintance recently mentioned having a ‘Seniors Family Social Gathering’ meaning that no-one under a certain age was allowed to attend. I’m not sure of the cut-off age for attendance.

Then again, how many of us hear words and phrases such as ‘old codger’; ‘silly old… ’; ‘geezer’; ‘grumpy old man’; ‘blue-rinse set’; ‘old biddy’; ‘little old… ’; ‘old folks’; ‘sweetie’; ‘dearie’; ‘having a senior moment’ (what about a ‘junior moment’?); ‘old bag’; ‘long in the tooth’; ‘still working’; ‘over the hill’; and ‘fogy’—to name a few.

The impression gained from such words is of fragility, feebleness and incompetence. They describe people who aren’t capable of being independent, empowered, or to make their own decisions—or, indeed, to have an opinion. Such stereotypes can be destructive.

It has been said that those who ‘experience and internalise ageism’ have negative health outcomes. Positive words, however, have a positive effect on people.

One report sensibly pointed out that we don’t refer to ‘junior citizens’, so why mention ‘senior citizens’? And, why put everyone above 70, for example, into one category?

The better way

There’s the point of view held by some that age should be celebrated. Celebrated in the same way a young child enthusiastically announces, ‘I’m going to be 6 next birthday,’ or ‘I’m eight-and-a-half.’ How many people in higher age groups are as excited by an upcoming birthday?

Let’s leave aside the ageist language and also the mnemonics (ever heard of a ‘WOTCHA’: Wonderful Older Thing Considering His/Her Age?) and concentrate on the abilities and skills of people.

I wonder if the ‘apprentice’ mentioned earlier went on to graduate?

‘Guard well your thoughts when alone and your words when accompanied.’—Roy T Bennett

A fascinating experiment found that retirees who were encouraged to envisage their retirement wanted to save 31% more of their pay for retirement than those who hadn’t imagined theirs. Visualising can have an impact because it imagines a future possibility. By imagining it, we’re more prepared to make it happen.

In theory, the Age Pension age is set as the minimum age at which a typical senior is considered no longer able to work enough hours to generate the income needed for a modest standard of living. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t work.

After taking the previous steps to this point, it’s now time to enjoy the harvest and to celebrate. What you’ve planted and nurtured on the inside, should now begin to produce a harvest on the outside.

The YourLifeChoices Retirement Affordability Index aims to help you understand how much money you currently need to live at various levels and lifestyles in retirement. In this issue, there’s a helpful discussion about how to make your Superannuation go further.

You are no doubt aware they exist. You may have seen them on foodie blogs, Instagram feeds or on the menu at your local café. Wholegrains are an important food group essential to a healthy diet. Read on to find out why they are so wonderful and how you can eat more!